Erst

Featured reviews

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  Arturs Naumovs

  ·1 month ago

  “Love it! Away from the chaos, tasteful space and brilliant food. Place seems to attract a suitably understated crowd. Personally, for such high quality, Erst has always felt like great value for money, especially these days. Thank you & hope you can maintain it for many more years!”

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  Nora Riemersma

  ·1 month ago

  “My partner and I came to celebrate our anniversary and found a cozy atmosphere that offers stellar flavour. Our server, Eleanor, was kind and knowledgeable, giving us great recommendations (and conversation). In addition to being delicious, the plates all had a stunning presentation. Everything was amazing, but the beetroot with ajo blanco paired with the beef fat flatbread was a personal highlight. We were just visiting Manchester, but will definitely be recommending to our friends and hope to return someday!”

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  Foodie Sanny

  ·2 months ago

  “I can’t praise how much I love Erst, deffo the top tier in my opinion. Always back for the new menu every season. Their wine list is different from the normal ones as well which is great. I am a seafood lover personally, so I love their menu always got something i love. I wish they could bring back their white asparagus! Also please try their flatbread, it is exceptional!”

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  Serene C

  ·3 months ago

  “First time visit and fell in love with the minimalistic interior. Even their dishes platting looked simple and nice. We love the appetiser and the flatbread is so fluffy and soft! Taste delicious. Comfortable seating, well ventilated room. Helpful and attentive serving crew. Appropriate portion and pricing. Wine list were extensive. We found ours to enjoyed the evening and we had a great time there. Definitely stop by again!”

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  Maryna Shuklinova

  ·3 months ago

  “A great place for anyone who wants to treat their taste buds. Every dish was fresh, beautifully prepared, and full of interesting flavour combinations. You can really taste the quality of the ingredients. Definitely worth a visit!”

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  Ibro Tammam

  ·4 months ago

  “Erst is a welcome alternative to Ancoats’ crowded restaurant scene. Everything from the elegant service to the carefully curated menu feels considered, with dishes that are genuinely unique and creative. The beetroot with ajoblanco is so simple yet pure genius.”

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  Anda M

  ·5 months ago

  “The best restaurant in Manchester. Incredible ingredient quality and nice, unique dishes. The bill tends to be pricey but I think it’s worth it. Keep up the amazing work!”

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  SOULPURPOSE

  ·6 months ago

  “Erst is one of Manchester’s most refined and effortlessly cool dining spots — the kind of place that doesn’t need to shout because everything it does speaks for itself. From the moment you step inside, there’s an understated confidence to the space. Clean, minimal interiors paired with warm lighting create an atmosphere that feels both intimate and elevated without ever being pretentious. The food is where Erst truly separates itself. This is modern European dining done properly — small plates designed to be shared, each one carefully balanced and beautifully executed. The flatbreads are an absolute standout. Light, slightly charred, and topped with bold, rich flavours, they’re the kind of dish you end up talking about long after the meal. Pair that with something like the seabass crudo or cured meats, and you’ve got a table full of plates that feel curated rather than just ordered. Every dish feels intentional. Ingredients are clearly high quality, but more importantly, they’re respected. Nothing is overcomplicated — instead, flavours are allowed to shine, layered just enough to keep things interesting without losing their identity. It’s that confidence in simplicity that gives Erst its edge. The wine selection deserves serious recognition too. Thoughtfully chosen, slightly adventurous, and perfectly suited to the menu, it elevates the entire experience. Whether you know your wine or you’re just exploring, the staff guide you in a way that feels natural, not forced. Speaking of staff — the service is spot on. Relaxed, knowledgeable, and genuinely engaged without hovering. It adds to that feeling that you’re not just eating, you’re experiencing something. One thing to note: portions are on the smaller side, but that’s part of the concept. This is about sharing, tasting, and building your meal across multiple dishes rather than one heavy plate. Lean into it, order a few extras, and it pays off. Erst isn’t trying to be flashy — it’s quietly exceptional. If you appreciate high-quality ingredients, thoughtful cooking, and a space that feels as good as the food tastes, this is easily one of the best dining experiences in Manchester right now.”

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  Aria Shino

  ·7 months ago

  “Hand on heart my favourite restaurant in Manchester. Every dish is sensational, food always tastes so fresh. Also, theyve started doing this beetroot lemonade that I am now obsessed with. P.s the staff are incredible too. Cannot recommend this place enough.”

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  Sherry Johnson

  ·1 year ago

  “I visited Erst Manchester yesterday for the first time, I will definitely be going back!! The food was amazing, cooked to perfection with the most amazing flavours. The service and atmosphere was exceptional too, just very relaxed, I could have stayed there all day. 😋”